Contacting a DC Hit and Run Attorney

If a person is charged with a hit and run that strictly caused property damage, they should still consult with an attorney for several reasons. First of all, even though there was no personal injury, it is still a misdemeanor crime, and it carries a penalty of 30 days and up to a $250 fine. Beyond those direct penalties, there can be a period of probation imposed that could have significant restrictions on someone’s ability to travel and cause other restrictions that can last up to a year or more.

Another direct consequence of a conviction or property damage hit and run is that that will impose 12 points with the District of Columbia’s DMV, and the person will lose driving privileges in DC for six months. Losing the ability to drive can significantly impact a person’s life.

If you have been charged with hit and run, you should consider contacting a DC hit and run attorney. A seasoned hit and run lawyer could advocate for you and help you reach a favorable outcome to your case.

Long-Term Repercussions of a Hit and Run Conviction

With a hit and run charge, there are also significant collateral consequences from a conviction. It is a criminal charge, so it is going to go on someone’s record. This conviction will be public for any sort of background check, employment, housing, and professional licensing. They may not ever be able to get their charge removed from their record, so they could have that conviction following them around for the rest of their life.

In addition, there could be other personal repercussions, such as embarrassment or some other social consequences. By contacting a DC hit and run attorney, the defendant could have a legal professional help them avoid those consequences and minimize their exposure to those risks.

What to Look For in an Attorney

A person should look for a criminal defense attorney with experience in defending hit and run cases and representing individuals accused of a hit and run in the jurisdiction of Washington, DC. They should look for someone who has trial and pretrial experience. There is a significant difference between getting up in court and trying to work out a plea agreement versus actually defending someone against allegations in a trial in an open hearing in court. One never knows how a case is going to be resolved, and if the government does not make an offer that the person wants to accept or if they do not want to accept an offer, then there is a strong likelihood that the case is going to trial. Therefore, the defendant will want to hire an attorney who is comfortable and has experience trying a case.

Related to that, a person wants to hire an attorney who they can trust, and that is someone that they can trust professionally to represent their interests to get the best possible outcome. They need someone they can trust is going to fight for their interests.

Call a Dedicated Lawyer Today

It can be extremely intimidating for people who have never been involved in the court system or accused of a crime before, so it is crucial to have an attorney who knows the law and can fight the case in court. If you are facing charges, you should think about contacting a DC hit and run attorney right away. Let a dedicated lawyer fight for you.